Windhoek: Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Namibia, Salmaan Jacobs, has suggested the establishment of a dedicated body for capacity and professional development, highlighting its critical importance for the public service. “We should have an entity that provides capacity and professional development, because this remains critical,” Jacobs stated during the opening of the PSC’s Reflections and Reforms Workshop in Windhoek on Monday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the two-day workshop is attended by former members of Parliament, current and former PSC commissioners, and the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Asser Ntinda. Jacobs emphasized the proactive role the PSC should play in fostering excellence and accountability across all Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (OMAs) and Regional Councils (RCs). He noted that achieving such a culture requires stronger coordination and systematic capacity-building, pointing out that the lack of coherent training and deployment frameworks hinders the continuous improvement needed for a modern and high-performing civil service.

Jacobs also drew attention to several challenges faced by the commission, including conflicting interpretations of various Acts, which have led to ambiguity regarding the PSC’s powers, particularly in appointments, disciplinary oversight, and enforcement functions. He advocated for the strengthening of training, deployment, and performance evaluation frameworks within the public service, and the introduction of incentive-based systems to recognize and reward exceptional service values.

He further reminded participants that the reform process is gradual and not a one-time event, describing it as a transformative project rooted in a shared commitment to public service values. Bank of Namibia Deputy Governor Leonie Dunn echoed Jacobs’ remarks on reform and reaffirmed the bank’s support for the PSC’s reform efforts. “As the Bank of Namibia, we stand with you in this undertaking, not as mere bystanders but as partners in progress,” she said, acknowledging that while the PSC’s reform journey will not be easy, its rewards will be profound.